Can you replace a 40 gallon water heater with a 50 gallon?

Author: Dr. Donny Ankunding PhD  |  Last update: Tuesday, July 1, 2025

The diameter of the 50 gallon unit is only 2” bigger than the 40 gallon model, and the other dimensions and venting requirements are identical. No venting or gas piping revisions are needed going up from one size to the other.

Can I replace a 40 gallon water heater with a 50?

There is NOTHING to prevent you from using either a 40 or 50 in series. In parallel, since ANY new heater is probably different than the one you have, you would have to change both to ensure proper operation.

Is there a big difference between a 40 gallon and 50 gallon water heater?

If you are on a budget, a 40-gallon may be the better option for you. Water Heater Efficiency: When it comes to efficiency, a 50-gallon water heater is going to be more efficient than a 40-gallon water heater. This is because it will have a lower recovery time, which means it will take less time to heat the water.

Do 50 gallon water heaters last longer than 40 gallons?

In general, 40-gallon heaters last eight years, while 50-gallon heaters can last 12 years. This is because 50-gallon heaters have thicker tanks. As a result, they are less likely to develop leaks. A 50-gallon water heater will last about 8 to 20 years, which is longer than most water heaters.

Is it better to get a bigger hot water heater?

Capacity: A bigger water heater has a larger tank, which means it can hold more water. If you frequently draw hot water, a larger tank may be more efficient in meeting your needs without running out.

Should I buy a 40 gallon or 50 gallon water heater?

Is a 50 gallon water heater too big?

A small (50- to 60-gallon) storage tank is usually sufficient for one to two three people. A medium (80-gallon) storage tank works well for three to four people. A large tank is appropriate for four to six people.

How many showers with a 50 gallon water heater?

How Many People Can Shower With a 50 Gallon Water Heater? A standard shower for a single person is around 20 gallons of water. So, a 50-gallon water heater is suitable for a family of three to four people.

How long of a shower can you take with a 50 gallon tank?

With a low gpm head and full hot you should be able to get 20 min out of 50 gallons. Now you turn down the hot and add a little cold and you should get more time in a less hot shower. If you need more time you could turn up the water heater and use a less hot water to cold ratio. That would get you a few more minutes.

How long does it take to change a 50 gallon water heater?

Tank to Tank Installation: On average, replacing a gas or electric water tank with a similar model takes two to three hours. It takes between 45 to 60 minutes to drain, disconnect and remove your old water heater.

How much does it cost to replace a 40 gallon water heater?

The cost to replace a 40-gallon water heater is $600 to $1,600 for an electric unit or $900 to $3,000+ for a gas unit, including installation labor. A 40-gallon water heater costs $400 to $2,000 for the unit alone, depending on the brand, features, energy efficiency, and fuel type.

What is the lifespan of a 40-gallon water heater?

A standard 40-gallon tank will last between 10 and 15 years while larger tanks (50 gallons) have a lifespan of up to 20 years. If you live in an area with hard water, the life expectancy of your water heater may be much shorter than if you lived in an area with soft water.

Can I downsize a water heater?

Choose a Smaller Tank

One option is to choose a tank that's the same size as your current water heater and accept that it will have a lower capacity. If your home only has a few inhabitants who aren't taking multiple showers per day, you may not notice the difference.

How much does a 50 gallon water heater cost per year?

An average water heater runs three hours every day, a 50 gallon, 55,500 watt water heater with a . 90EF and electricity rate of $. 16 per kilowatt will cost an average operating cost of $781 per year.

Should I buy a 40 or 50 gallon water heater?

Think about how much hot water your household typically needs. If you live alone or with one other person, a 40-gallon heater might be plenty. But if you have a larger family or need more hot water for back-to-back showers, dishes, and laundry, a 50-gallon heater can make life a lot easier.

How long does it take to replace a 40 gallon water heater?

Water Heater Installation

Installing a new water heater usually only takes 2 to 3 hours. Keep in mind that if you are switching from a tank water heater to a tankless water heater or vice versa, it could take a little longer.

What is the difference between a 50g and 40g water heater?

In the case of standard tank type water heaters, a 50 gallon tank provides 25% more hot water storage capacity than a 40 gallon unit (with a slightly higher first-hour rating; see below). The reasoning is essentially that simple! – assuming that the larger tank can be properly integrated into the existing system.

Does Home Depot replace water heaters?

Same-day water heater installation is available Monday-Friday if you request install before noon and live within 30 miles of a Home Depot store.

How much does Lowe's charge to install a water heater?

The price depends on whether you want an electric or gas water heater. The basic installation fee at Lowe's is around $320. But, before the contractor can set up the heater, they'll need to come to your home to check the conditions and determine the best location for it. This inspection will cost you an additional $34.

Is a 50 gallon water heater enough?

Typically, the rule-of-thumb is that you want a 40 gallon tank for 1 to 4 people, a 50 gallon tank for 4 to 6 people, and a 50 gallon high recovery or 75 gallon tank for 6 to 8 people.

What is the recovery time for a 50 gallon gas water heater?

Then divide 18 into the rated gallon capacity (50 gallons). Result would be 2.8 -- or approximately three hours operating recovery time.

Does turning up the water heater make hot water last longer?

Raising the temperature setting on your water heater ultimately makes your hot water supply last longer. It will ensure everyone gets a hot shower, with plenty leftover to run your dishwasher and washing machine.

What is the life expectancy of a 50 gallon water heater?

While today's water heaters are better designed than older models, they still require regular maintenance in order to prolong their lives. With regular inspection, draining, and flushing, you can expect a gas water heater to last anywhere from 8-12 years and an electric water heater to last anywhere from 10-15 years.

How much does a new 40-gallon water heater cost?

Naturally, tanks that heat more gallons of water typically have a higher price point, so the larger the tank size, the more you can expect to pay. For example, the average 40-gallon water heater installation cost runs between $1,000 and $2,500, while its 80-gallon counterpart runs between $2,650 and $3,910.

Is a 40-gallon water heater enough for 2 people?

What size of a house is a 40-gallon water heater good for? Based on typical water usage, a 40-gallon water heater should provide enough daily hot water for 2-4 people in a household.

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